Hong Kong

Every time I visit Hong Kong I see a little more of this incredible collision of culture, commercialism and capitalism.

A week in the mid-levels - within walking distance of the central district is sensory overload. From the hustle and bustle of the daily grind to grind and hustle of the night time bustle, Hong Kong never stops.

I followed and photographed my friend Chris Watts, CSO (Chief Stretching Officer) of Stretch Asia, as he taught group stretch sessions in the Hong Kong Country Club, The Ladies Recreational Club, Deepwater Bay Golf Club and at Action Asia's Discovery Bay event: all in the course of one week. Needless to say it was a busy week.

Nevertheless, as Hong Kong does not sleep, it becomes imperative to try at least once a visit to follow the cities lead. The night out started at "The Wanch", a live music bar in Wanchai District, to listen to Ian Taylor and his band perform. This was followed by the show at Neptune's, one of the area's many bars. Each of these, needless to say, is packed with women all seeking the company of men. So it makes for quite a show. For someone with deep pockets it can be a dangerous place. For someone like myself with empty pockets it becomes a source of great entertainment.

An evening in Mong Kok, deep in the Chinese community, provides a glimpse into another world. The Ladies' Market covers several streets and is filled with every type of knockoff item one can imagine. The place is jam packed with people shopping and all that glitters shines bright in the sea of neon lights making this a "must do" experience.

Daytime shopping around Tsim Sha Tsui for electronics, sunglasses, photo gear and more knockoffs is fun, but be very wary when purchasing. All sales are final and most sales are phony.

Of course, no visit is complete without a walk through the park to check out the lemurs on the way to Pacific Place - or Specific Place as the kids call it.

All in all, Hong Kong is one of the few cities in the world that I like and I always look forward to the next visit.